Page 1 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

Chapter 1 - Riley

I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in the messiness of my appearance. I had bloodshot eyes and heavy bags under them. My blond hair looked like straw going in all different directions. I looked like I'd been through the wringer, and I felt as shitty as I looked.

I quickly turned the water on and splashed my face, taking a deep breath as the cold water hit my skin. I stared into the sink and swallowed. I wanted to forget last night, but I couldn't. His words kept ringing over and over in my head.

"Do you have any idea how much I do for you? Do you even realize how much of a pig you look like when you eat like that? And in front of my friends! Are you trying to make me look like a fool? Is that what you're trying to accomplish?"

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the tears build up again. I thought I'd finally stop crying, but it seems I still had more give.

I quickly shook my head, turned the water off, and wiped my face.

"That's enough, stop crying," I whispered to myself. I pulled my gaze back up to the mirror. "He's right. You shouldn't have eaten the cake. You knew how important that dinner was to him."

Even as I said the words, my lip wobbled. I knew it was wrong. Trying to tell myself I was in the wrong was wrong. But he was all I had. He took care of everything.

I turned, stepping out of the bathroom into the bedroom. The bedroom was empty, and I headed for the living room. I found his jacket and shoes gone, as were his phone and wallet, which meant Brad had left for work.

Last night came rushing back all too quickly.

We were out at the party, his work made their target, and everyone was getting a five-dollar raise. The party was in Brad's honor for nailing everything. He had worked overtime and mooched the money out of some rich snobs, as he worded it.

He gave a speech, and I stood next to him. I'd even worn a nice blue dress to match his tux. I did my makeup and hair to look as good as I could, even if he didn't compliment me. I did everything right. I made sure to look the part of a dotting girlfriend.

Up until I had a slice of cake. I could see the rage on his face when he found me at our table and how he leaned over his voice had changed. "Put the fork down," he snarled into my ear.

I was mid-bite and swallowed. I scanned the crowd, watching a few people smile at us like we were the perfect couple. I made sure not to look flustered as I slid the fork down, biting onto my cheek.

"Did we not just have a conversation this morning about you needing to lose weight?" he asked, his eyes narrowing on me as he slid the cake away.

I licked my lips and pulled my hands into my lap, feeling my fingers start shaking. I held back tears, knowing he wouldn't lose his cool here. He would keep it in until we got home.

"Everyone is watching! And no one needs to see you be a pig."

I clutched my fingers tightly together and nodded. "Sorry," I whispered.

He made a disgusted sound before pulling himself away from me. "I need another drink."

I could hear his footsteps leave, and I was alone once more. People were all around me, dancing and laughing, and yet I felt utterly alone.

I shook my head, pulling myself back. Brad yelled even more when we got home, and then he went to bed, and I cried. I cried well into the early morning before I crawled into bed. I didn't sleep. I just lay there staring at the ceiling, feeling disgusted with myself.

I walked towards the cabinet, needing some Advil to help with the headache. Even if I felt shitty, there were things that needed to get done. Laundry, cleaning, and starting dinner before Brad got home a little before three.

I poured myself a glass of water and popped two Advil into my mouth. I swallowed when I heard my phone ringing, cringing at the noise.

I turned, spotting it still sitting on the couch where I left it last night. I walked over, seeing it was April, my best friend. But I couldn't talk to her right now. I would fall apart.

I ignored the call and went to start the laundry. I could hear my phone ringing again, but I continued to ignore it until I heard the knock on the front door twenty minutes later.

"Riley! You open this door right now." April's voice broke through the silence, and I frowned.

"Shit," I grumbled under my breath. I walked over to the door and opened it. April stormed inside with two cups of coffee.

"You will not believe the night I had last night! And you ignored my calls, giving me no choice but to come over here and make sure you're still alive."

My eyebrows rose as April walked straight to the couch, throwing herself on it. She set a coffee down and leaned back. "He's cheating on me."

My mouth dropped open, and I didn't have words. I rounded the couch and walked towards the opposite couch. "Wait…..Ivan?"

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